Chat with Brian Leonard

Welcome to The Show! On Friday, NFL prospect and former Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard will stop by to chat about the NFL draft and his NFL combine experience.

Leonard proved to be a key component of Rutgers' running attack, both running and helping fellow running back Ray Rice. Rutgers finished the season 11-2 and won the school's first bowl game in the 137-year of its existence.

ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. has evaluated every player in the draft and this is what they say about Leonard: ''Leonard does not possess the speed or explosiveness to line up as an every-down starting running back in the NFL. However, he projects to be a consistent contributor as a hybrid fullback/running back type for the right team -- much in the mold of Greg Jones (Jaguars). The teams that have use for his kind should deem Leonard worthy of consideration in the second-to-third round range of the 2007 NFL draft.''

Buzzmaster

(2:36 PM)

Dan (New Brunswick, NJ)

Hey Brian... as a student at the 'Ville game did the team feel that you fully had the momentum and it was then your game to lose?

Brian Leonard

(2:37 PM)

I think our team never gave up the entire game. We were down at halftime. But there were no down faces. We never gave up in any game this year. That's why we came back to win that game.

Tempo (DC)

Do you think it was a good idea to lose that weight and be considered more of a Running Back?

Brian Leonard

(2:39 PM)

I think so. I think it helped me out a lot. It gave me the chance to go to the Senior Bowl and show how versatile I am. Since I did that, teams are looking at me as a versatile back that can do those things. I think it will help me out a lot in the long run.

Peter (Eau Claire, WI)

Did you have a favorite team growing up? If so, does it affect the way that you hope to get drafted?

Brian Leonard

(2:40 PM)

No, I don't even care about that, where a certain team is or where you grew up. This is a business. I grew up a Giants fan. I lived there my whole life. If you have the chance to go to the next level, you don't care where you go.

Justin (Philly)

Brian, I am a Rutgers grad (2003) and a season ticket holder. What would you say was your best inidividual accomplishment while at Rutgers?

Brian Leonard

(2:41 PM)

My individual accomplishment, I didn't have too many individual goals. Winning the Draddy Trophy, which combines academics, football and off the field in the community. To go help out these kids. It's a great feeling and a great accomplishment.

Mike (Scotch Plains, NJ)

Do you feel you would have been a better "pro prospect" if you would have stayed as a linebacker instead of playing fullback and becoming a Rutgers legend?

Brian Leonard

(2:42 PM)

I've always been an offensive guy. I was recruited as a linebacker, but I had the opportunity and a decision to go offense or defense. I don't think I could have showed all my skills on the defensive side of the ball. I'm glad I ended up playing on the offensive side of the ball. I'm glad where I am right now.

Eric Denville NJ

I think you will go down in history as the player who most turned this program around and was a tribute to the university both on and off of the field. Do you see yourself supporting and being involved with Rutgers in the future?

Brian Leonard

(2:44 PM)

Oh yeah. I am Rutgers. When I go play in the NFL, I will look back and still be Rutgers. I came here a boy and turned into a man. I will be coming back and visiting the guys and talk to the guys. I'll keep track of them, watch over them and make sure they're doing the right thing.

Mike (NYC)

Brian Leonard

(2:44 PM)

Like I said, it would be nice to be in the Northeast, but I'll go anywhere. I just want the opportunity to play on any team.

Justin (Philadelphia)

What did coach Schiano mean to your development as a football player?

Brian Leonard

(2:45 PM)

He did a lot. When he came in here, he was the only thing that we had to look up to. He told us that we're going to change the program around and win championships around here. He realy made me the person I am today. He's one of the only coaches in the country that could really change this program around and he did it the right way too.

Nick (Teaneck, NJ)

Hey Brian, Congratulation on a great career at RU. What do you feel is your best asset to team looking to draft you?

Brian Leonard

(2:46 PM)

I think definitely versatility. I can be a guy that can play every down and even special teams. I think I'm a true football player.

Bill (Nutley, NJ)

Rutgers is sure to have high expectations going into next year. Can they live up to them and be a national championship contender?

Brian Leonard

(2:47 PM)

I do believe that. I have a prediction that Rutgers will be better than they were last year, as long as some of the younger guys step up. I believe that they can do great things at Rutgers.

Tempo (DC)

What will you miss most about Rutgers?

Brian Leonard

(2:48 PM)

Definitely just the team comraderie. These guys were so close. It was a real good environment to be around.

andy, watertown, ny

Brian, I just want to to tell you how proud we are here in the north country. You have become a great player and a better man.

Chris ,Mandeville,LA

Do you see your-self more as a mike alsott type running/fullback or a larenzo neal type.

Brian Leonard

(2:49 PM)

You know what, I don't know if I compare to anyone's game. I think maybe a little bit like Roger Craig an old school back in the West Coast offense.

andy, watertown, ny

who did you get to meet at the combine that impressed you? Coaches and other players?

Brian Leonard

(2:49 PM)

I'd say not just at the combine but where I worked out in Arizona. I worked out with a lot of great guys - Quinn, Russell, Peterson, Griffin, Rice, Jarrett - those guys impressed me a lot.

Mark (Phoenix, AZ via Watertown, NY)

Yo Brian!!! We are from the same area, and everyone "back home" is extremely proud of you and admire your character as a man as well as a football player. How will you spend draft day?

Brian Leonard

(2:50 PM)

I'll spend it with my family, in upstate New York. Probably nervous as heck, because I have no idea where I'll be going.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

What activities do you do outside of football?

Brian Leonard

(2:51 PM)

I like relaxing and hanging out with my friends. You don't have much down time in football, but when you do, I like to just hang out with my family and friends.

Brian in secacus

Brian, has RU scheduled a pro day for you, clark, and other to work out for scouts?

Brian Leonard

(2:51 PM)

Yup. We're doing that March 8. So it's coming up soon.

Jake (WI)

What round do you see yourself going in?

Brian Leonard

(2:52 PM)

The only thing I only know is about the round I'll be going in. I've heard anything from late first to into the third round.

John (Manalapan, NJ)

Brian, how did you feel about the Heisman attention the beginning of the year? Was it just a diversion to keep Ds attention on you while Ray got the carries?

Brian Leonard

(2:53 PM)

I don't know if it was because of that. But that's some good logic behind that. But I'm not an individual guy, but I thought it was nice to get the team's name out there and get noticed. It was good for recruits to see that we were getting some attention.

Justin (Philly)

Who was one player at Rutgers that helped you most with your development as a football player during your time at RU?

Brian Leonard

(2:54 PM)

I'd say there was one guy when I first came in here. He was a fullback. Ray Pilch. He was one of the guys that took me under his wing.

jon new york, ny

whats the first thing you intend to do with your pro contract?

Brian Leonard

(2:55 PM)

I don't really even know. First of all, I'm going to put as much of it as I can into the bank and invest as much as I can. You have to do the normal things - buy a house, buy a car. Nothing too extraordinary. No jewelry or anything. That's not me.

Sean (Newark, NJ)

If you could say one thing to persuade a football recruit to come to Rutgers what would it be?

Brian Leonard

(2:56 PM)

I know that this team is going to be national champions some day. With the determination of Coach and the kind of players they have, we'll be national champs some day. So come here and be part of it.

Brian Leonard

(2:56 PM)

Thanks for supporting me and being behind me 100%. I appreciate it. I'll be back at Rutgers.